We will continue to hold firm and stand our ground to win the fight against racism
OGBENE & IDAH RESOLUTE AFTER BOOING BY THE HOME FANS
CHIEDOZIE OGBENE has slammed the Hungarian fans who booed Ireland’s players as they took the knee ahead of last night’s scoreless draw in Budapest.
Ogbene came on in the closing stages of the scoreless draw and almost snatched a winner.
He added that he felt “blessed” to be the first ever African-born player to represent Ireland at senior international level.
However, the feeling before the game was one of shock, as he watched his team-mates being jeered by the near-capacity crowd.
“I was obviously disappointed because we all go through different stories and different histories in our lives,” said the Rotherham winger.
“This is something black people have been fighting for many years, discrimination and racism, there is no place in any sport, any place. I was quite disappointed, it is what it is, we stayed strong and I’m so happy that we as a team took the knee to show solidarity between us all.”
Ogbene added that his celebration, had he found the inside rather than the outside of the net moments after his arrival, might have reflected his feelings towards the home supporters.
“I know early on in the game I was just hoping to come on and get the opportunity to score in front of their fans,” he said.
“Maybe it is the best thing that it didn’t happen because I might have let my emotions get the better of me with any sort of celebration I would have done.
“But yeah, trying to score really and help the team.
“[It was] a good performance against a team who are getting ready for the Euros.
“You can see the quality they have in the first half but you know just to get the opportunity on this big stage is a blessing.”
Ogbene has called on UEFA to take stronger action against racism and send out a clear message that it is not welcome in football.
“I feel like the group we have, it is diverse and everyone is together,” he said. “We hope that UEFA will take stricter action and find a solution.
“It is a difficult task because it has been going on for many years, we won’t find a result or solution overnight.
“I am so happy we continue to show how important it is to accept everyone for who they are and just educate people and I am so proud of the team.”
His team-mate Adam Idah (inset) also spoke of his upset at the reaction to Ireland’s pre-match gesture.
“Obviously it is disappointing to see the fans in the whole stadium booing us taking the knee,” he said.
“It’s for a good cause, trying to stop racism, it’s a sign to kick racism out of society.
“Just the reaction was very disappointing to be honest, we weren’t expecting that.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian-born Ogbene, who moved to Cork as a child, spoke of his pride at becoming the first player from Africa to pull on the green jersey at senior level.
“It’s truly a blessing. Most importantly, being from the League of Ireland and coming from that tough structure of football, just to showcase if you believe and never give up, what can happen,” said the former Cork City and Limerick ace.
“To be titled the first African-born, I’m really blessed and it’s a huge honour, something that I want to inspire everyone else to, to follow their dreams.”
He hopes he is back in Stephen Kenny’s squad for the qualifiers in September against Portugal, Azerbaijan and Serbia.
“This is really a wake-up call, I have got the first taste of it and I am more hungry for more, I am more driven,” he said.
“So I will take pre-season, will be sharp and be as fit as I can, and give all I can.
“These opportunities don’t come too easy so I will work twice as hard to be here.
“I really enjoyed it here, and that’s what my aim is, I am so driven, I don’t want to miss this opportunity and I will do everything I can to be an option for the manager.”